Let’s talk about bourbon, shall we?
Well, first let’s talk about whisk[e]y. J is a whiskey connoisseur, so I have tasted many whiskeys and have become a little bit of a connoisseur myself. But I’d never tried bourbon – and you know what they say, all bourbon is a type of whiskey, but whiskey is not always bourbon. Bourbon needs to be made primarily of corn, whereas whiskey can be a combination of fermented grain mash — including wheat, rye, barley, and corn. (Mmmm fermented grain mash, anyone?!) [Read more about the difference between bourbon and whiskey.]
So anyway, I’d never tried bourbon until recently. Until I realised that bourbon’s slightly orange-ier, lighter taste (maybe this is just me comparing it to all the Scotch whiskies I’ve tried) is perfect in cocktails. And now I love love love a bourbon cocktail.
Fast forward to this recipe, the Blueberry Smash. It’s got a strong bourbon flavour, which I love, but it’s mellowed out with a hint of blueberry, citrus, and mint, and sweetened with simple syrup. It’s fruity and refreshing all together, and served over ice it’s a really nice cocktail to sip on a patio. I mean, all cocktails should really be sipped on a patio on a hot day.
So please, find yourself a patio, and sip a Blueberry Smash.
- 2 lemon wedges, plus one for garnish
- 3-4 mint leaves
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup (increase to 1 ounce for a sweeter drink)
- 1 and 1⁄2 ounces bourbon
- handful of blueberries, washed
- sprig of mint for garnish
- blueberries for garnish
- In the bottom of a mixing glass or cocktail shaker, muddle the lemon, mint, and simple syrup. Add ice, bourbon, and shake. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with mint, blueberries, and a lemon wedge.
- To make simple syrup: put 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook until sugar dissolves. Cool. Store in refrigerator for up to one month.
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